CharlesHeidsieckLaCollectionCrayeres1981Jeroboam

Of the three Champagne houses named Heidsieck â€?all originating from families once related â€?Charles is the smallest and arguably, the best. Established in 1851 by the nephew of Piper-Heidsieck’s owner, Charles Heidsieck himself was the original ‘Champagne Charlieâ€?In 2011 both Charles Heidsieck and Piper-Heidsieck were bought by EPI Group headed by Christopher Descours, he has provided significant finance for both Houses allowing them to grow their vineyard holdings, grape purchasing and production.Today, production occurs alongside sister company Piper-Heidsieck in an ultra-modern functional wine-making facility on the southern outskirts of Reims. The Charles Heidsieck Cellars are a Unesco World Heritage site and comprise more than eight kilometres of chalk tunnels interlinking forty seven subterranean cathedrals called Crayères, reaching 30 metres high and believed to have been dug out in the 3rd century.rrAfter many years ageing in the unique and ancient Crayères acquired by its founder Charles Heidsieck, Brut Millésime reveals itself as a champagne poised between elegance and complexity, with a smooth texture and great length on the palate. Extended ageing on the lees has unlocked the full potential of their aromas. Each vintage has its own signature, its own generous tone.rrWeather: 1981 is a stunning and extremely rare vintage. Drastic climatic variations over the winter as well as to springtime frosts destroyed 25% of the anticipated harvest. The final yields were 4300 kgs per hectare, which is very small when the average yields are typically well over 10,000 kgs / ha. Nevertheless, upon tasting the grapes, particularly the Chardonnay in the white Grand crus, they were found to be of excellent quality. The Pinots Noirs married acidity and generosity. In all, they indicated intensely aromatic wines with a very promising cellaring potential.rrThis champagne is part of Charles Heidsieck Collection Crayeres, a second late release of vintages direct from their cellars in Reims in December 2017. The releases are very limited quantities and a perfect chance to buy and enjoy champagne with age in its very best condition. A limited release of 354 bottles.rrTechnical Information:rVineyards: 100% Grand & Premier Cru rGrape Varieties: 60% Pinot Noir & 40% ChardonnayrLees Ageing: 5 years rDisgorged: 1987rProduction: 354 bottlesrDrink: Now to 2030rrTasting Note: Really rich golden yellow colour. Some nice small bubbles still coming through. An incredibly alluring nose of mushroom and truffle. Lovely acidity still and immense power! Lime, mushroom and nuts galore on the palate. Great dryness and such impressive length. With more time in the glass, this is still very fresh. Wow!